Comments on: The One-Page Business Plan – It Might Be All You Need

By: Natalie Sisson

Natalie Sisson — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:05:23 +0000

I have used the 1 Page business plan for the last 2 years and love it. It doesn’t mean I don’t flesh out my ideas a little further in supporting docs.

I also include income projection and expenses projection to this 1 page plan – seriously it all fits in and then it’s a perfect document to scan in 5 minutes on a weekly basis to know you’re staying on track.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:50:59 +0000

This is a GREAT article. The biggest thing to consider is that there is a significant difference between a business plan (a traditional business plan) and business planning.

By creating a plan for your business on one page, you have a tool that can be readily updated and changed to reflect exactly what is going on in your business.

I have a term I use with my clients called Business Attention Deficit Disorder or BADD. Since most don’t have a plan, they flit from one idea to another, never really giving anything enough of a chance to take hold. the worst part is, because they don’t have the plan, they typically don’t remember what they have already tried, and what the success was!

The real challenge with any planning is knowing where to start. I agree that Jim Horan’s One Page Business Plan is a great series of books.

We have a similar system called The Simple Focus Plan, and it includes a PC based application that takes you through the process of creating a plan on one or two pages, and also includes worksheets to help you write a plan, quickly and effectively.. You can check it out here:
The Simple Focus Plan

Again, great article!

By: Rabin Nickens

Rabin Nickens — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:49:43 +0000

This is one of the most succinct explanations of a business plan that I’ve seen in a while. Useful for young and “seasoned” entrepreneurs alike. Thanks for sharing!

By: JohnYE

JohnYE — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:37:48 +0000

@Strategic: For the most part I agree, and the article states that the one-page plan is not for someone seeking investors. On the other hand, a close friend of mine went to his bank about a year ago with a comprehensive business plan (about 80 pages) just last year, and his banker said, “Are you kidding me? You expect me to read this?” She said she needed 5 pages maximum to assess the deal, and only then would she need all the details IF the deal looked like it was worth pursuing. Which is also what’s implied in the article, but an interesting anecdote at least.

By: StrategicBusinessTeam.com

StrategicBusinessTeam.com — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:15:37 +0000

As an entrepreneur, i can confidently say that a one page business plan may not do the magic in all situations. Though not trying to dispute the writer, i think a one page business plan should be a comprehensive summary of the main business plan you have written.

A one page business plan will definitely not be recommended for use if you are trying to raise startup capital from investors. Investors need to see every damn details of your business and a one page plan can’t reveal such.

But if the plan is for your personal use, to help your focus in check; then go for the one page plan.

By: Sumit

Sumit — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:57:52 +0000

Excellent article. In fact I am one of them, who was searching for some idea like this. Though I am just planning to start but was struggling to write down a business plan. Thank you for your nice and easy to understand article.

By: Franchise Opportunities

Franchise Opportunities — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:23:51 +0000

Great article. A solid business plan is must for the success of any business. Thanks for posting it and sharing with others.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:45:50 +0000

Business plan is definitely a most. Allows you to take your idea and see how feasible it would be to actually get it done. I revised my business plan for one of my projects probably 7 times until I got to something I was comfortable with. Your business is a living document that will always change.

By: Startup research

Startup research — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:48:13 +0000

Nice article.
True that the importance of the business plan has been a bit too far. At the end, it is just a tool to present your business project to third organisation in order to get fundings for example. Still important though.

But for me the most important part of planning your business is for you no to fail. Don’t plan too much as it is not good to stick too much to something as it never exactly happens the way you plan it anyway.

It is essential to do all the part of the business plan though like market research for example. It is not for people, it is for you. That is why many people say that business plan are good I think, just to make sure that the entrepreneur will not forget important part of the business start-ups project.
Research is a huge part of it. You have an idea and you need to check if there is a demand for it apart from your family circle (who are obviously all ready to buy it). I think that quantitative research is important and it helped me a lot. DIY for free or almost if you have the data or do it online thanks to market research company.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:13:46 +0000

Great Article for budding entrepreneurs. Mathew, you are right. This article helps the young ones who has no business knowledge and helps them to put everything in a proper manner. This one page snapshot will give every aspect of business is a more disciplined and focused way.

Another thing you add to a link to mindmap to give a visual appeal to this business plan do.

All the best.

Robert